A Blog on activities in Akwa Ibom State University, Nigerian/World News, Lifestyle, Inspiration, Technology, Politics, Sports and much more.

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) is a conventional academic institution whose vision seeks to keep aflame the pursuit of Knowledge, Excellence and the spirit of enquiry. AKSU also offers opportunities for Learning and Leadership, Service and Self-actualization to all mankind, towards a Peaceful, Humane, Prosperous and just Society.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Press Statement From The Office Of The Senate President (RE: Trial For Alleged Forgery)

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and
his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, were today arraigned before an Abuja High Court
over their alleged complicity in forgery of the Senate Standing Rules. The two
lawmakers who took turns and pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge
preferred against them by the federal government, were granted bail and met the
conditions set before leaving the court premises. Saraki has now released a
statement regarding the case.

Statement on Commencement of Trial at
FCT High Court

Today we the leaders of the Nigerian
Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney
General of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules
document.

In our view, the charges filed by the
Attorney General represent a violation of the principle of the Separation of
Powers between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch as enshrined in
our Constitution. Furthermore, it is farcical to allege that a criminal act
occurred during Senate procedural actions and the mere suggestion demonstrates
a desperate overreach by the office of the Attorney General. These trumped up
charges is only another phase in the relentless persecution of the leadership
of the Senate

This misguided action by the Attorney
General begs the question, how does this promote the public interest and
benefit the nation? At a time when the whole of government should be working
together to meet Nigeria’s many challenges, we are once again distracted by the
Executive Branch’s inability to move beyond a leadership election among Senate
peers. It was not an election of Senate peers and Executive Branch
participants.

Over the past year the Senate has worked
to foster good relations with the Executive Branch. It is in all of our
collective interests to put aside divisions and get on with the nation’s
business. We risk alienating and losing the support of the very people who have
entrusted their national leaders to seek new and creative ways to promote a
secure and prosperous Nigeria. As leaders and patriots, it is time to rise
above partisanship and to move forward together.

However, what has become clear is that
there is now a government within the government of President Buhari who have
seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.

This latest onslaught on the Legislature
represents a clear and present danger to the democracy Nigerians fought hard to
win and preserve. The suit filed on behalf of the Federal government suggests
that perhaps some forces in the Federal Republic have not fully embraced the
fact that the Senate’s rules and procedures govern how the legislative body
adjudicates and resolves its own disputes.

Let it be abundantly clear, both as a
citizen and as a foremost Legislator, I will continue to rise above all the
persecution and distraction that have been visited on me. In the words of
Martin Luther King Junior, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he
stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of
challenge and controversy”.

I will remain true and committed to the
responsibilities that my citizenship and my office impose on me. Without doubt,
the highest of those responsibilities is the steadfast refusal to surrender to
the subversion of our democracy and the desecration of the Senate. This is a
cross I am prepared to carry. If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few
individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the
Federal government to satisfy their selfish interests is the alternative to
losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall
be a happy guest.